Reviewed by: Ceil Carey, Co-president of ECLA and long time book discussion leader

Introduction

Title: The truth will set you free

Author: Rebecca L. Matthews

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Publication Date: 2016

Format: Paperback

Length: 348 pages

OVERVIEW

This is a hard book, hard in its content and the emotions of its characters.  The first scene opens with Shane hiding in the bathroom, shaking his hands, covered with blood. As we are taken back in the story, we are not told directly what caused that scene until the end of the book but the reader will make some assumptions.

Shane takes over many responsibilities in his home to care for his sister and very depressed mother after his parents’ divorce.  At the laundromat one day, he meets Dale, new to the town. He and Dale become fast friends much to his mother’s delight. Their friendship even gives her the strength to break out of the malaise she has been in for way too long. The teenaged Shane needs an adult role model and Dale seems to fit the bill.

But as Shane’s mother Rose grows closer to the Lord, Shane is pulling away, especially in a spiritual vein. He is hiding the drinking he is doing with Dale, drinking which only leads to further sin. How can he stop this terrible cycle, how can he make it end?

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4

Suggested Audience

This is written for an adult audience.

Christian Impact

Is freedom possible where great shame abides?  Can we forgive others and more importantly, forgive ourselves.

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